Earn Your EdD: Online Programs in Curriculum & Instruction
Ready to dive into an online EdD program in curriculum and instruction? Keep reading for a look at top programs and what they entail.
Profiling Popular Online EdD Programs in Curriculum and Instruction
An EdD online program in curriculum and instruction will allow you to hone your ability to develop and effectively deliver a student-centered curriculum. It will also equip you with the requisite academic background to move into positions like principal or director of education.
When it comes to EdD online programs in curriculum and instruction, the options are seemingly endless. With so many to choose from, how do you know which is right for you?
Ultimately, that answer will depend on your unique career goals, schedule, and financial situation. However, to help you get started on your search, we’ve compiled a list of several of the most popular EdD online programs in curriculum and instruction available today.
University of Florida
The Teachers, Schools, and Society (TSS) online EdD program in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to prepare job-embedded professionals to identify, examine, and address critical issues. The TSS online EdD program supports student engagement through a cohort model that includes asynchronous and synchronous components.
The University of Florida’s online EdD program can typically be completed in four years of 16-week courses. Doctoral students are required to participate in two mandatory three-week summer institutes and complete a capstone experience with a dissertation defense.
Students must be employed as full-time educators for the duration of the program. Other admissions requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work and all graduate work, a Master or Specialist degree in education, and a minimum of three years of practical experience in the field of education.
Once enrolled, students pay $448.73 per credit. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
University of Louisiana Monroe
The University of Louisiana Monroe’s CAEP-accredited online Ed.D in Curriculum & Instruction can prepare you for roles like:
- Education Administrator
- Superintendent
- Instructional Coordinator
- University Professor
Led by accomplished faculty, the program teaches students to link theoretical concepts to common curricular and instructional issues in real-world educational settings. Students explore research-backed theories, master methods of qualitative and quantitative research, and examine political, social, intellectual, and moral foundations in education.
The program consists of 24 credit hours of core courses and 36 credit hours of concentration courses, which include either a capstone experience or dissertation. Tuition is set at $500 per credit.
Prospective students must have a master’s degree and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 from a regionally accredited institution.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The online EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will prepare you to succeed in leadership positions across all levels of education. This synchronous online program provides students with the specialized skills they need to develop and lead P-12 programs.
Students have the option to tailor their learning experience to their career goals by offering specializations in:
- Bilingual Studies
- Educational Technology
- Curriculum and Pedagogical Generalist
- Literacy
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
- Special Education
To graduate, students must complete a dissertation.
Prospective students must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited United States institution or equivalent, a minimum GPA of 3.25 for all previous graduate work, and three years of experience in education or equivalent. They must also submit a personal statement and a professional resume as part of their application to the program.
Expert Insight
If you’re interested in leadership roles, look for programs that emphasize applied research and organizational improvement, not just classroom instruction. Many EdD programs are built to prepare educators for district, administrative, or curriculum leadership positions.
A Closer Look at Coursework
While each EdD online program in curriculum and instruction has its own unique curriculum, there are many courses that you can expect to encounter in each of them. In this section, we’ll explore several of the most popular courses offered in EdD online programs in curriculum and instruction and how they can help you become a better educator.
Applied Statistical Analysis
Earning an online EdD in curriculum and instruction will prepare for you school leadership roles and other specialized roles that rely heavily on data. As such, the curriculum must be informed by data, its analysis, and its application. This course will help you build the skills you need to understand data and solve real-world problems.
Critical Pedagogy
Critical pedagogy examines power dynamics and social inequalities to help drive transformation. In this course, you’ll explore the roles of class, race, institutions, gender, and politics in education to become an advocate for equity and social change both in and out of the classroom.
Education for Diversity in a Global Society
Today’s classrooms are more diverse than ever. This course will examine diversity in education and explore theoretical frameworks that prepare teachers, administrators, and other staff to cultivate learning environments that foster inclusivity and cater to the varying needs of students so each can thrive.
Identifying Complex Problems of Practice
Today’s educators are faced with ever-evolving challenges that impact student learning. This course will explore the theoretical frameworks, and their practical application, for identifying and addressing complex problems of practice to improve the overall educational experience, drive positive change within the school community, and enhance student learning.
Motivation and Cognition in Learning
Motivation and cognition both play significant roles in how we learn and process information. In this course, you’ll explore the psychology behind learning, delve into cognitive processes and examine theories of motivation. This course will prepare you to address motivational and cognitive challenges in the classroom to enhance student engagement.
Professional Development
With education evolving at such a rapid pace, professional development is key for educators looking to keep up with the latest trends. This course explores professional development strategies and empowers you to create programs that promote continuous learning. You’ll be prepared to pursue professional development opportunities individually and on behalf of your educational institution.
Expert Insight
Pay attention to how research support is structured in EdD programs. Schools that integrate the dissertation or capstone throughout coursework often help students stay on track and finish faster.
Salary Outlook with an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
An EdD in curriculum and instruction positions you to lead the design, evaluation, and improvement of learning systems at scale — across school districts, state education agencies, higher education institutions, and educational organizations. Graduates serve as directors of curriculum, chief academic officers, instructional leadership coaches, and faculty members who prepare the next generation of educators. The degree is particularly valued in organizations committed to evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning.
Leadership roles in curriculum and instruction at the district and state level offer stronger compensation than classroom-based positions, with doctoral credentials supporting advancement into the most senior academic leadership tiers. Ed-tech and corporate training settings may offer even stronger compensation for those with this expertise.
Explore the salary table to see what instructional coordinators earn across states, and benchmark curriculum leadership compensation at the doctoral level.
Instructional Coordinators
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $77,440 | $98,820 | $121,670 |
| Alabama | $69,000 | $97,710 | $109,710 |
| Alaska | $72,320 | $97,590 | $108,020 |
| Arizona | $62,620 | $77,940 | $98,910 |
| Arkansas | $67,100 | $79,530 | $95,550 |
| California | $97,010 | $126,380 | $152,260 |
| Colorado | $82,160 | $99,580 | $107,960 |
| Connecticut | $96,170 | $116,220 | $129,910 |
| Delaware | $79,290 | $92,140 | $98,990 |
| District of Columbia | $105,990 | $127,760 | $156,430 |
| Florida | $60,790 | $77,550 | $98,440 |
| Georgia | $81,060 | $99,900 | $119,600 |
| Hawaii | $96,080 | $104,100 | $122,810 |
| Idaho | $63,030 | $79,810 | $99,360 |
| Illinois | $76,050 | $96,910 | $112,420 |
| Indiana | $66,300 | $79,660 | $99,680 |
| Iowa | $74,970 | $83,350 | $96,200 |
| Kansas | $64,750 | $78,060 | $95,310 |
| Kentucky | $63,640 | $81,920 | $102,340 |
| Louisiana | $63,120 | $79,180 | $98,300 |
| Maine | $76,700 | $86,630 | $103,880 |
| Maryland | $102,220 | $124,940 | $143,670 |
| Massachusetts | $95,320 | $112,100 | $129,480 |
| Michigan | $79,290 | $98,600 | $108,970 |
| Minnesota | $80,550 | $98,940 | $118,330 |
| Mississippi | $61,830 | $77,470 | $96,100 |
| Missouri | $72,080 | $86,260 | $103,690 |
| Montana | $60,920 | $80,350 | $96,250 |
| Nebraska | $79,150 | $95,160 | $104,010 |
| Nevada | $67,410 | $82,770 | $96,760 |
| New Hampshire | $81,210 | $99,070 | $115,940 |
| New Jersey | $96,090 | $104,640 | $121,880 |
| New Mexico | $80,870 | $100,550 | $120,720 |
| New York | $80,560 | $102,110 | $125,880 |
| North Carolina | $63,340 | $77,850 | $95,150 |
| North Dakota | $75,340 | $82,730 | $94,600 |
| Ohio | $77,760 | $96,160 | $107,290 |
| Oklahoma | $63,980 | $80,810 | $101,780 |
| Oregon | $84,620 | $114,780 | $130,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,580 | $87,860 | $105,350 |
| Rhode Island | $63,110 | $79,970 | $101,410 |
| South Carolina | $65,460 | $83,440 | $104,290 |
| South Dakota | $57,910 | $69,070 | $89,590 |
| Tennessee | $74,390 | $85,500 | $99,180 |
| Texas | $78,710 | $98,700 | $106,070 |
| Utah | $65,780 | $82,140 | $100,280 |
| Vermont | $78,360 | $103,540 | $108,120 |
| Virginia | $83,230 | $102,760 | $131,940 |
| Washington | $97,250 | $118,940 | $129,430 |
| West Virginia | $69,600 | $95,290 | $100,370 |
| Wisconsin | $83,000 | $103,420 | $125,680 |
| Wyoming | $76,140 | $85,050 | $115,330 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
Answering Your Questions About Curriculum and Instruction EdD Programs
Now that you’ve taken a deeper dive into online EdD programs in curriculum and instruction, you probably have a few questions. We’re here to address them, from admission requirements and financial aid options to program length and flexibility, we have the answers to all of your burning questions below.
Are there online EdD programs that don’t require the GRE?
Yes, there are online EdD programs that don’t require you to take the GRE. In fact, many programs are making the requirement optional to make graduate admissions more accessible. This allows schools to evaluate potential students more holistically, without defining them by a test score. Check with your program to see if the GRE is required for admission.
Are these programs flexible for working professionals?
Yes, some online EdD programs encourage or empower students to continue working so you can apply what you’re learning to the field immediately. However, sometimes online EdD programs can be quite rigorous and for some, it may be beneficial to forgo employment while enrolled.
Can I teach with an EdD in curriculum and instruction?
Yes, an online EdD in curriculum and instruction can enhance your teaching abilities. The concepts and skills you learn throughout the program can expand your expertise and empower you to create a better learning environment for your students. An EdD can also expand your career opportunities beyond teaching and into leadership roles like Principal, Curriculum Designer, and Superintendent.
How much do EdD programs cost?
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a Doctorate of Education is $98,015. While that number is high, it’s important to remember that it’s an average and there are plenty of affordable online EdD programs available. Additionally, there are many financial aid options available to help ease the financial burden, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
What are the admission requirements for these programs?
While admission requirements vary by program, they typically entail a certain amount of work experience, a minimum GPA, and a master’s degree. Some programs may also require you to submit a personal statement that highlights your career aspirations and reason for pursuing a terminal degree.
What is the shortest EdD online program?
Some schools offer accelerated pathways and shorter semesters that enable you to complete the program in as few as 2 years. However, doctorate programs are multi-year commitments that typically take 5-7 years to complete. On average, online EdD programs can be completed in approximately 3-4 years.